The great AOL word cybersquatting saga

Plenty more for the chop

We support AOL's decision to take Aimster to an arbitrator for its unauthorised use of the giant's trademark "AIM" or "America Online Instant Messenger". We also applaud NAF's ability to override the rules in this very important matter and ignore the fact that "aim" is also a verb and noun to rule in AOL's favour.

AOL quite rightly has exclusive use of the word "aim" in Internet domains. But would you believe it, hundreds of other cybersquatters have also tried to make successful businesses on the back of AOL's technology.

This is disgraceful behaviour and we look forward to the inevitable lawsuits that AOL will take out against them. In order to help this champion of consumer rights, we have compiled a list of the worst offenders and the ludicrous pseudonyms they have given themselves in the vain hope that they will be viewed as legitimate.